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Feb. 7, 1938 – June 25, 2015

NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Bernard Pendleton Wood, 77, who died Thursday, June 25, 2015, will be at 10 a.m. today at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Noelle Read and the Rev. Denny Read officiating. Eulogist will be Mr. Lee Jones.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be at 9 to 9:30 a.m. today at Stratton Chapel.

Mr. Wood was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Natchez, the son of Bernard Pendleton Wood Sr. and Helen Mae Miles Wood.

He was a 1956 graduate of Natchez High School and a 1960 graduate of Louisiana State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. While at L.S.U., he was a member and officer of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. In 1960, he reigned as king of the Natchez pageant, representing the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Mr. Wood was president and owner of Wood’s Automotive, Inc., a partner in Natchez Electric and Supply Company and president and owner of Penka, Inc. He was a member of the Natchez Rotary Club for 50 years and served as president from 1980-1981. He was the first chairman of the board of trustees of Trinity Episcopal Day School, serving from 1962-1970. He was also chairman of the Adams County Republican Party from 1962-1969 and chairman of the Southwest Mississippi committee of the Ronald Reagan 1980 presidential campaign.

Mr. Wood was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Wood was a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. He lived a full life, which he loved to recount through his wonderful stories of South Union Street, St. John’s Military Summer Camp, his years at L.S.U. and Wood’s Auto, his travels and misadventures with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Lucianne A. Wood, two daughters, Cammie Wood Dale and husband, Bill, and Libby Wood Robertson and husband, Greg; and his four beloved grandchildren, Sara and Brandon Dale and Aaron and Kelly Robertson.

Pallbearers will be Irvin Anderson, Trey Byrnes, Charles Feltus, Chick Graning, Rucker Leake and Caldwell Roberts.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will include Alex Byrnes, Charles Byrnes, Charles Custer, Tommy Reed, Alvin Walls and Tommy West.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Barry Tillman, Sta-Home Health Provider and Camellia Home Health and Hospice.

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church or Trinity Episcopal Day School.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.